What to expect: A black-and-white marble entryway with cherry-wood columns and an exposed-brick wall opens onto a sitting area illuminated by a lofty sloping skylight. Business travelers socialize by a large marble fireplace flanked by torch-like light fixtures. Leisure travelers attracted to the Hilton's 15-mile proximity to downtown Boston frequent the hotel on weekends.

Amenity highlights: A spacious, skylit lobby steps down into a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfy bench seating, and whimsical light fixtures. Wide hallways lead to the hotel's formal dining room by way of a Starbucks coffee bar. Recreational opportunities abound at the Hilton, from outdoor tennis courts and half-court basketball to the indoor skylit lap pool, upgraded fitness center, and racquetball courts.

Insider tip: The hotel is 5 miles from the entrance to the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation, with 125 miles of hiking trails. Great Blue Hill, with an altitude of 635 feet, is the highest of the 22 hills in the chain and affords panoramic views of the metropolitan area from its craggy summit. Rattlesnake Hill attracts rock climbers, and Houghton's Pond is a popular swimming hole.